Admittedly not much of a fan of his music, I feel compelled to at least acknowledge the passing of Michael Jackson and his immense contribution to music and dance. His personal demons notwithstanding, it was too soon an ending to a life that started with so much promise and a career with so much talent. Actually, it was kind of a sad week all around with the passing of Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett. Americana losing icons is always difficult in the sense of saying goodbye to yet another part of one's adolescent past. The writers of Licorice Pizza, AM, Then FM, Fusion 45, Rock Sellout and Echoes In The Wind have shared their thoughts in excellent posts on their respective blogs. I'm hoping he can find the peace wherever he is now that he couldn't find down here.• • • •
Chicago's Joe Pug has released In The Meantime, a free EP of five unreleased songs recorded during his Nation of Heat sessions. The download is available exclusively at www.joepugmusic.com. Since self-releasing the Nation Of Heat EP in 2008, Joe has gone on to win critical praise from Paste Magazine, NPR, KCRW, and many others. If you aren't familiar with Joe's music and are a folk-rock fan, you are in for something special. He'll also be touring through September with Steve Earle, Josh Ritter & with The Low Anthem in selected locations.Joe Pug: Website • MySpace • Free EP available here
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June 23rd marked release date of Donny Hue and the Colors new album and free EP giveaway. We've had a couple of mentions of the fun and whimsical brand of music they make and the six-song set is available here. Thanks to Mike at The Kora Records for the heads-up on this terrific band.Donny Hue & The Colors: Website • MySpace
Letter From New Virginia available via Kora Shop
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Youth Group is an Australian four-piece who released their third full-length, The Night Is Ours, this past April. They will be following that with a tour beginning September 15 in Denver. Youth Group's music is comprised of memorable, melodic indie-pop rock featuring the excellent vocals of Toby Martin and a great layered sound that becomes extremely addictive with each listen.
Youth Group: Website • MySpace • The Night Is Ours available via Amazon
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Hugh Cornwell's music is a mix of rhythm & blues, rockabilly and post-punk. He is the original vocalist, guitarist and main songwriter for punk legends The Stranglers. Hugh's new album, Hooverdam, will be in stores in the States in September but you can find it as a free download via his website. The album features the jangly guitars you've come to expect from Cornwell as well as his singular lyrical method. There is not a bad track on the entire album; whether you are a fan of his or not, you'll really like this. Highly recommended.Hugh Cornwell: Website • MySpace • Buy Hovverdam (UK)
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Lee Memorial’s debut album, The Lives Of Lee Memorial will be released on July 21st. The principal of Lee Memorial is Karl Smith, formerly of Sodastream. Band members include drummer Laura MacFarlane(Sleater-Kinney, Ninety Nine), lead guitarist Tom Lyngcoln(Nation Blue), clarinet/celloist Madeline Spawton and bassist Matt Bailey(Paradise Motel). The album, a superb mix of suburban pop, is already receiving overwhelming praise in the band’s homeland of Australia and likely will here in the States.Lee Memorial: MySpace • Watch Dot Dash for the release
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